Device for laying brick constructs

ABSTRACT

A device for aiding in laying bricks to form a multi-sided brick construct comprises retaining means and a plurality of levels; wherein the retaining means allows the device to be retained at a given position in relation to a construct being formed so that the levels can be used to ensure that a course of bricks above the retaining means is laid substantially horizontally along a plurality of sides of the construct; and wherein the retaining means is mounted so that it can be moved or removed relative to the rest of the device.

The present invention relates to a device for aiding in laying brickconstructs, especially to a device for aiding the laying of bricks incolumns or corners.

Bricks have been used for thousands of years to construct columns andcorners. However, even in the present day, brick columns and corners canbe difficult to construct both quickly and accurately, because of theneed to ensure that courses of bricks are level along a plurality ofsides.

Indeed, the accurate construction of columns and corners is oftenregarded as a task for the skilled bricklayer, because it can causemajor problems for the D.I.Y. enthusiast. Indeed, even skilledbricklayers can sometimes have difficulty in constructing columns orcorners accurately. This is especially the case if there is pressure tocomplete a job quickly, as can arise if a construction project runsbehind schedule or if there are insufficient bricklayers available onsite.

Thus, a high level of craftsmanship is needed in rapid, accurateconstruction of brick columns and corners. Accurate construction isparticularly important if the columns or corners are part of a majorstructural feature, because inaccuracies can give rise to uneven loadingand to structural defects such as cracking. In any event, inaccuraciescan greatly affect the aesthetic appearance of a construct and it maythen still be necessary to demolish the construct and build it again. Ifthe constructs are large, even a relatively small initial inaccuracy canbecome accentuated so that it becomes a major problem in the finishedconstruct. In particular, it is important to note that virtually allbuildings have corners and the appearance of a whole building can beaffected if a corner is not level.

Traditionally, columns and corners have been constructed by using anelongate spirit level to check the levels of bricks in a course alongeach side of a column or corner prior to adding mortar and a furthercourse of bricks. Excess mortar is then scraped off with a trowel andthe procedure is repeated with further courses of bricks until a columnor a corner of a desired height is achieved.

However, when such traditional methods of construction are used, errorsin measuring the level of a course of bricks can arise if the spiritlevel is not accurately used along each side of a column or corner beingconstructed. This can easily happen if a bricklayer becomes fatigued,e.g. towards the end of a long working day, or if the spirit level isnot repeatedly checked at several positions. As indicated above, theseerrors can become accentuated as the height of a column increases and itmay then be necessary to remove one or more courses bricks and to re-laythem in order to ensure accuracy. This leads to increased costs and todelays in construction.

In order to try to increase accuracy, some bricklayers use T-squares orother guides for ensuring that corners are formed correctly. Howeverthese do not provide great assistance in ensuring that courses of bricksare laid horizontally. Corner profiles are sometimes used and areattached to string lines. However, a separate profile is needed for eachcorner and the profiles can be time-consuming and tedious to set upcorrectly. Usually, they require part of a construct to be laidinitially and for mortar to be set before the profile can be used. (Thusthere is a significant delay in waiting for mortar to set and this canbe unpredictable, depending upon the mortar used and the weatherconditions.) Furthermore the corner profiles rely upon attached stringlines that are pegged out some distance away from the profiles. Theselines are not always set accurately and may easily become misaligned ordisplaced over the course of a working day.

A recent development in bricklaying is to use the guide that isillustrated in FIG. 5, which is sometimes known as the “Bricky”™. Thisis an elongate device defining a central aperture that is approximatelyone brick wide. The depth of the device corresponds to the depth ofmortar to be laid. However, whilst the device is useful in laying mortarto a desired depth, it is not designed for ensuring that corners orcolumns are horizontal. Indeed the device is used for laying mortar onthe top of a straight course if bricks. Excess mortar is then scrapedoff, the device is removed, another line of bricks is laid on top of themortar, and the process is repeated.

There is therefore a major need for an improved device for to aid inlaying bricks in a substantially horizontal manner, especially for adevice that can be used to lay accurately multi-sided brick constructs,such as columns and corners.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for aidingin the laying of bricks to form a multi-sided brick construct, thedevice comprising retaining means and a plurality of levels; wherein theretaining means allows the device to be retained at a given position inrelation to a construct being formed so that the levels can be used toensure that a course of bricks laid above the retaining means is laidsubstantially horizontally along a plurality of sides of the construct;and wherein the retaining means is mounted so that it can be moved orremoved relative to the rest of the device.

The present invention represents a major breakthrough in that a singledevice can be used at a given, stable position to check all requiredhorizontals of a given course of bricks. This greatly increasesaccuracy. Furthermore, it makes the construction of difficultconstructs, such as columns or corners, feasible for unskilled people,such as amateur DIY enthusiasts. The device is however also useful toskilled craftsmen, because it can greatly reduce construction time. Forexample, in constructing an accurate, one metre tall column, a saving inbricklaying time of 50% or more can typically be achieved. In view ofthe high cost of skilled labour, this can provide a major increase inprofitability for construction firms.

In a first embodiment of the present invention the retaining means ismovably mounted so that it can be moved into a first position at whichit rests on a lower course of bricks and the device can then be used inlaying one or more higher courses of bricks in a substantiallyhorizontal manner, and the retaining means can then be moved into asecond position at which it is free from contact with the construct, sothat the device can then be lifted and, if desired, the retaining meanscan be used again at a higher position to retain the device when layingfurther courses of bricks in a substantially horizontal manner.

Thus, for example, a retaining means may be slidably mounted between afirst position at which it is extended over a lower course of bricks anda second position at which it is retracted and no longer extends overthe course of bricks. The retaining means are preferably in the form ofmembers that can be easily slid into and out of a layer of mortar. Ifdesired, the members may be interconnected via a common shaft that maybe at right angles thereto. The members are preferably elongate—e.g.rods, bars, prongs or blades. They may optionally be coated or formedfrom a low friction agent—e.g. Teflon™. They may be oiled or greased.

As one alternative to being slidably mounted, the retaining means may,for example, be pivotally mounted so that it can be swung in and out ofposition.

A combination may even be used whereby a pivoting action (e.g. of ahandle or lever) causes a slidably mounted retaining means to move inand out of position, or vice-versa. This may be achieved, for example,by using a cam.

Spring-loading or other resilient members may optionally be provided toassist in operating the retaining means. For example, a spring-loadedrelease mechanism may be provided and may be operated by a switch orcatch. A spring or other resiliently deformable member may alternativelybe used to prevent the retaining means moving too far in a givendirection. Thus the retaining means may be operably connected with aspring or other resilient member.

The precise nature of the movement of the retaining means is not howevercrucial provided that the movably mounted retaining means can be movedin and out of position in order to perform its function in retaining thedevice on the construct.

In the above first embodiment of the present invention it is preferredthat the retaining means is always attached to the device when thedevice is in use.

However, in a second embodiment of the present invention the retainingmeans is removably mounted to the device. Thus, when the retaining meansis in place on the device it can perform the function of retaining thedevice in a desired position on a construct to allow the device to beused to lay one or more substantially horizontal course of bricks.However it can be removed if the presence of the retaining means at agiven position is not desired (as discussed later).

This second embodiment does not require moving parts such as slidably orpivotally mounted members, but simply requires releasable securing meansthat allows the retaining means to be secured to the rest of the devicewhen in use and to be released when not in use.

This may be achieved by many different ways. Indeed any suitablereleasable engagement may be utilised. For example, resilientlydeformable material may be used to releasably engage the retaining means(e.g. in a press-fit, friction-fit, and/or snap-fit engagement).Alternatively, releasable clamps, hook and eye arrangements, orreleasably engaging male and female members may be used. The precisemethod of releasably securing the retaining means to the rest of thedevice is not crucial, so long as the retaining means can beconveniently released from/secured to the device when desired.

Indeed, for packaging, it may be more convenient for the retaining meansnot to be secured to other parts of the device. A kit comprising aplurality of components of the device invention is within the scope ofthe invention. The kit preferably includes instruction for assemblyand/or use.

Having described the two main embodiments of the present invention,various aspects of the invention will now be described in furtherdetail.

A retaining means (which may be movable/removable, as discussed above)is preferably provided on at least two sides of the device. If thedevice has opposing sides then it is preferred that retaining means beprovided on at least two opposing sides of the device. More preferably,retaining means are provided on all sides of the device.

If desired, a plurality of retaining means may be provided on one ormore sides of the device. Thus each side may have two or more retainingmeans. If a plurality of retaining means are provided on a side, theymay be operably connected for concerted action (e.g. by a shaft or otherconnecting member), or may operate independently.

In some cases the retaining means may allow adjustments of the deviceeven after the device has been laid on top of a course of bricksposition. For example the retaining means may comprise rotatably mountedrods with ends that are flattened, oval or elliptical in profile. Byturning one or more such rods the device may be raised or loweredslightly at a given location.

Many alternative adjustment means are possible to allow slightlifting/lowering of the device and all are within the scope of thepresent invention, whether or not they form part of the retaining means.For example, the turning of a screw or of a lever may be used to lift orlower the device at a given location.

The adjustment means is particularly useful if a region of unevenness(e.g. a chipped brick, a stone) causes the device not to lie as desiredupon a given course of bricks. This can be easily checked by examiningthe levels of the device. The levels are discussed in greater detailbelow.

The primary purpose of the levels is to check that courses of bricks aresubstantially horizontal. The levels can be spirit levels, but any otherdevices for checking horizontals (e.g. electronic devices/laser levels)can be used and the term “level” should therefore be construed broadly.

(Levels to check verticals can be provided, if desired, but are notessential if the horizontal levels are used properly.)

The levels may be removably mounted, e.g. to assist in cleaning.maintenance, replacement, etc. However this is not essential.

Preferably the device has at least one level for checking that each sideof a course of bricks is substantially horizontal. Thus if the devicehas two, three or four sides the device preferably has at least two,three or four levels respectively. The levels can be mounted upon anysuitable part of the device. For example levels may be mounted on sidesand/or or uprights of the device. If desired, half of the total numberof levels present may be positioned on the sides of the device and halfmay be on the uprights. However many alternative arrangements arepossible. Indeed the levels may even be mounted on the indicators: e.g.upon taut string or twine.

A device of the present invention can have many sides. However four-,three- or two-sided devices are preferred.

A four-sided device can be conveniently used to construct four-sidedfree-standing columns.

A three-sided device can be conveniently used constructing columnsabutting, or protruding from, existing walls or other existingconstructs.

A two-sided device is particularly flexible in use. It can be used toconstruct inner or outer corners and also to construct columns.

Normally (although not necessarily) the sides of the device will meet toform internal right angles so as to aid in the construction ofright-angled corners, columns, etc.

If desired, one or more of the sides of the device may be detachable,although all sides should normally be relatively rigid when the deviceis in use.

Thus, for example, a four-sided device may be constructed so that it canbe converted to a two or a three sided device by removing one or moresides. This makes the device more flexible in use. Screws, bolts, clampsor other releasable fixings may be used to interconnect sides that cansubsequently be conveniently detached from one another. Indeed thedevice may even be sold as a kit comprising sides to be connected. Thiscan aid in packing/storage by providing a low volume kit forself-assembly. Another alternative to aid in packing/storage is toprovide the device in foldable form. For example it may comprise one ormore hinged regions that can be fixed in position once unfolded by meansof a bolt. Kits including all of the above possibilities are within thescope of the present invention. As indicated previously, preferred kitsinclude instructions for assembly and/or use.

If the device is four-sided it is preferred that it forms a generallyrectangular or generally square frame that defines a generallyrectangular or generally square aperture for receiving bricks. Theaperture is preferably shaped to correspond to the cross-section of acolumn to be constructed, but allowing for a small clearance so that thedevice does not become jammed on the column as the device is used toconstruct the column. Typically the clearance between inner edges of thedevice and the column will be less than 10 cm, less than 5 cm, or lessthan 1 cm (measured from the inner edges of the frame to the sides of acolumn being formed).

Preferably the device has one or more uprights. Desirably these arepositioned at inner corners of the device, although it is also possibleto position them at outer corners. Thus, if the frame is four-sided,four uprights are preferred. Fewer uprights can of course be used if thedevice is less than four-sided. Desirably the uprights are right angled.

Preferably the device comprises an indicator for indicating the upperedge of a course of bricks to be laid.

Any appropriate indicator may be used. For example, the indicator may bea length of tensile or ductile material (such as string, cord, wire,twine, synthetic fibre, etc), it may be an elongate rod, a marking, asight, a laser, etc.

In order to take into account the possibility of different sizes ofbrick, the indicator may be adjustably mounted. For example, anindicator may be a length of taut string threaded through a plurality ofapertures and may be adjustable by virtue of a series of additionalapertures provided at different predetermined heights through which thestring can be threaded. Alternatively, the indicator may be slidablymounted for ease of adjustment. If desired, it may be provided withclamps to hold it in position or it may be tied. Many possibilitiesexist.

Preferably, a plurality of spaced apart indicators are present (e.g. aplurality of string indicators each positioned a course of bricks andmortar apart). This allows the retaining means to be used to positionthe device on the construct so that the indicators can be used to lay aplurality of courses of bricks. Thus several courses of bricks can belaid before it is necessary to release the retaining means andre-position the device to lay further courses of bricks and mortar. Ifdesired, each of the plurality of indicators may be adjustable. Indeedthe indicators may be simultaneously adjustable. For example, anactuating means may be provided to simultaneously increase or decreasethe distance between indicators by a fixed amount to take into accountdifferent brick sizes.

In addition to providing a wide range of devices, the present inventionalso includes methods of construction using these devices.

The present invention therefore includes a method of making a brickconstruct comprising using a device of the present invention to laybricks in a manner in which the bricks are in substantially horizontalcourses.

A preferred method includes using the retaining means to retain thedevice in position on top of a first or higher course of bricks of theconstruct so that the device can be used to aid in laying one or morefurther courses of bricks.

A device of the present invention is preferably used to make a column ora corner, but many different constructs are possible. Thus the presentinvention further includes any construct made using a device of thepresent invention. The construct may, for example, be all or part of abuilding or wall.

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, withreference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a four-sided device of the present invention havingslidably mounted retaining means and being used to construct afree-standing column.

FIG. 2 shows a three-sided device of the present invention havingslidably mounted retaining means and being used to construct a columnabutting a wall.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a two-sided device of the present invention havingslidably mounted retaining means and being used to construct internaland external corners.

FIG. 5 shows a prior art device in position to lay mortar along the topof a wall.

FIGS. 6 to 9 show a two-sided device of the present invention havinglever-operated retaining means and being used to construct a corner.

FIGS. 10 to 15 show a two-sided device of the present invention withremovable retaining means

Turning now to FIG. 1, a device 100 of the present invention is shownthat comprises a generally square frame 102, having four sides 104, 106,108 and 110.

The frame 102 has inner edges 124 that define an aperture 138 forreceiving bricks and/or mortar of a column 130 to be laid.

The device further comprises four right-angled uprights 112, 114, 116and 118 located at the inner corners of the frame 102.

Two adjacent sides 106 and 108 of the frame 102 each carry a spiritlevel 140 for checking that bricks are substantially horizontal.

Two opposing sides 106 and 110 of the frame 102 each have slidablymounted retaining means 120 attached thereto. Each retaining means 120comprises a pair of flat prongs 122 rigidly attached to a central shaft128 (e.g. by soldering). The prongs 122 run through receiving channels(not shown) that are securely screwed to the base of sides 106 and 110.

In use, the device 100 is operated as follows. It is first laid upon agenerally level, hard surface (e.g. a planar concrete surface concrete)on which a layer of mortar has been spread. The retaining means 120 arenot in use at this stage and are in a retracted position. Once thedevice 100 has been placed upon the mortar, levels 140 are checked tosee if the device 100 is generally horizontal along all sides 104, 106,108 and 110. If necessary, the device 100 is adjusted, e.g. by lighttapping, repositioning and/or adding further mortar underneath thedevice 100 until it is level.

A first course of bricks 132 can then be laid, using the inner edges 124of the device 100 as a guide for ensuring the column 130 is square. Theupper surface of the frame 102 also serves as a guide because it shouldlie level with the top of the first course of bricks 132.

Once the first course of bricks 132 has been laid, the device 100 islifted, the retaining means 120 are slid inwardly and the device 100 isplaced on top of the first course of bricks 132 with the retaining means120 holding the device 100 in position. The levels 140 are then checkedand, if necessary, the bricks are adjusted (e.g. by light tapping) untilall sides are level. A layer of mortar is then spread on top of thefirst course of bricks 132 and a second course of bricks 134 is laid ontop of the mortar. A line 126 is provided as an indicator for aligningthe upper edges of a course of bricks being laid. The line 126 is heldin place by being threaded through apertures 142. These are provided inthe uprights 112, 114, 116 and 118. Additional apertures 144 are alsoprovided. These allow for different sizes of brick and therefore theline 126 can easily be adjusted if needed.

When the second course of bricks 134 has been laid the device 100 isremoved from the column 130 by retracting the retaining means 120. Thisis done by sliding the retaining means 120 outwardly until they areclear of the column 130. The device 100 is then lifted, the retainingmeans 120 are slid inwardly, and the device 100 is placed on top of thesecond course of bricks 134, with the retaining means 120 holding thedevice 100 in position. Mortar and a third course of bricks 136 are thenlaid and levels 140 are checked as described above. The procedure isrepeated as often as necessary until a column 130 of desired height hasbeen formed. Once the final course of bricks has been laid the device100 can be removed. If desired, a top piece can be added to the top ofthe column and can be secured in place with mortar.

An alternative procedure is to provide greatly elongated uprights 112,114, 116 and 118 carrying a series of indicators 126 that are spacedapart to correspond with a plurality of courses of bricks to be laid.Using this procedure several different courses can be laid after layingthe first course of bricks 132, without needing to remove and repositionthe device 100 after laying each course. This can be advantageous ingreatly speeding up the bricklaying procedure further, because thedevice 100 then only needs to be removed and repositioned occasionally.For example, if four indicators 126 are present to indicate the levelsfor four courses of bricks, the device 100 would only need to berepositioned every four courses.

In some cases it may be desired to provide a reinforced pillar 130. Thisis not a problem because the device 100 can he used to build up a columnaround a central reinforcing bar that is anchored in a concretefoundation. Before topping the column 130 with an end piece, concretecan be poured into a central void of the column to provide additionalstrength.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an alternative device of the present invention200 is shown for constructing a column 202 abutting a wall 204. It canbe seen that the device 200 has only three sides 206, 208 and 210 so asto allow for the wall. However the device 200 is used in an analogousmanner to that described in connection with FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show a further alternative device of the present invention300. This is used for constructing corners (both inner and outer ones).Here the retaining means 302 are not on opposing sides but are onadjacent sides of the device 300. Advantageously they may bespring-loaded. The device is used in an analogous manner to thatdescribed in connection with FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates the known “Bricky”™ device 400 for comparison. Itsfunction is for laying mortar to a given level along a straight courseof bricks. It does not include any retaining means and does not ensurethat bricks for columns or corners are laid in a horizontal manner.

Turning now to FIG. 6, this shows a further device of the presentinvention 600 that that has been placed on top of a course of bricks,with retaining means 602 being used to support the device on the bricks.The first course of bricks has already been laid in an analogous mannerto that described in connection with FIG. 1 (i.e. with the retainingmeans 602 retracted so that bricks can be laid next to inner edges 601and 603 of the device 600 and with the upper edge of the sides of thedevice 605 being used to align the upper edges of a first course ofbricks).

The retaining means 602 comprise a plurality of rods 604 that can beretracted, or can extended over a construct by turning handles 606. Thehandles 606 are connected to a cam mechanism that engages a bar, towhich the rods 604 are connected (not shown).

In FIG. 6 the rods 604 are shown extended so that they rest on thebricks. An additional modification is to provide one or more fineadjustment means to allow the frame of the device 600 to be lifted orlowered slightly at a given location. This is achieved by means of rods608 that are rotatably mounted within the frame of the device 600 andthat have flattened ends. The rods 608 can be turned by knobs 610, sothat the ends of the rods either lie flat against the bricks or pivot soas to change slightly the height of the frame of the device and of alevel 612 at a given location (relative to the course of bricks). Thiscan be used to take into account uneven regions, e.g. chips in bricks,pebbles, dirt, etc.

Conveniently, two adjustment means 608 are located at each side of thedevice 600. For example, one adjustment means 608 may be located at oneside of the retaining means 602 and another adjustment means 608 may belocated at the other side of the retaining means 602. (In a furtheralternative the adjustment means 608 may be integrated so as to itselfbe part of the retaining means, but to have an additional function ofallowing adjustment.) Adjustments can readily be monitored by checkingto see if the levels 612 of the device 600 are horizontal.

FIG. 7 is provided to show a view taken along the direction of arrow 7of the device 600 shown in FIG. 6. Thus it shows a side-on view. Hereindicators 614 can be more clearly seen. These are taut and eachindicator is spaced apart from the next one by the height of a course ofbricks and mortar. The first indicator 614 is spaced from the retainingmeans by this distance. A plurality of indicators 614 therefore allowseveral courses of bricks to be laid without moving the device 600.

This is illustrated in FIG. 8. Indeed as many courses of bricks can belaid above a first layer of bricks as there are indicators 614. Allcourses will be horizontal, because this is verified by means of thelevels 612.

It is important to appreciate that the adjustment means 608 illustratedin FIGS. 6 to 8 are optional.

FIG. 9 shows a simpler alternative to the device shown in FIGS. 6 to 8in which the adjustment means 608 are omitted. The device comprises aretaining means on each side. Each retaining means has four slidablymounted rods, but in the view shown these cannot be seen because theyare in use, extending over the lower layer of bricks shown. When it isdesired to remove the device from between two courses of bricks thehandles 606 are turned to retract the rods 604 from contact with theconstruct. The rods then protrude through apertures 616. The rods canthen be moved back in the opposite direction by turning handles 606 inthe opposite direction, the device can be placed onto the highest courseof bricks and the procedure can be repeated.

FIG. 10 to 15 shows views of a yet further device of the presentinvention. Much of the device is similar to that illustrated in FIGS. 6to 9. However the levers 606 are not present and, most importantly, theretaining means 702 that are present that are mounted so that they canbe easily removed from the rest of the device 700 and then re-engagedwhen desired. Thus the retaining means 702 are removably mounted.

As shown in FIG. 10, a retaining means 702 is provided at both sides ofthe device 700. Each retaining means 702 comprises two inner rods 704and two outer rods 708 with flattened ends. The rods with flattened ends708 function as adjustment means, as discussed previously, but areintegrated into the retaining means 702. All of the rods 704, 708 areinterconnected via a bar 706 that can be easily gripped by a user of thedevice 700.

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10, but shows three courses of bricks havingbeen laid using the device.

FIG. 12 also shows the three courses of bricks shown in FIG. 11 butprovides an inner view of the corner being constructed and allows therods 704 and 708 to be more clearly seen

FIG. 13 shows a partial view taken from below the device shown in FIGS.10 to 12. Here a rod 704 of the retaining means is shown housed in anelongate bore with cylindrical walls 705. The rod 704 also passesthrough part of the frame of the device 700 so that it can protrude andbe used to rest the device upon a course of bricks. The rod is connectedto bar 706. By pulling the bar 706 in the direction of the arrow shownin the figure the whole of the retaining means can be removed from thedevice.

FIG. 14 shows an alternative housing for the rod 704. Here it is held inplace by a resiliently deformable fitting 707. This means that the rod704 will stay in position unless a user applies a degree of force bypulling the bat 706 along the direction of the arrow shown in the figureto pull the rod out of the fitting 707. This can be advantageous in thatthe rod 704 will not easily slide out of a desired position when it isin use. (An alternative to the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 13 and14 is where the retaining means is held in place by a fitting, but, whenin use, the retaining means protrudes underneath the frame rather thanthrough the frame. This avoids the need for holes in the frame and alsoavoids any need for the retaining means to be slidably mounted. Forexample, the retaining means may simply be pressed into a press-fitsupport and removed, when desired by pulling it out of the support withsufficient force.)

FIG. 15 shows a partial side-on view of a device 700 in which theretaining means comprises a plurality of rods that are interconnected bya bar 706. The rods may be held in place by either of the means shown inFIGS. 13 and 14.

Terminology

“Column”

The term “column” is used herein to include piers and pilasters. Ittherefore includes freestanding columns as well as columns that may beused as supports for walls or other constructs. A simple column may havecourses of only four bricks, with each brick being laid at right anglesto an adjacent brick. Typically the column will have a generally squareor a generally rectangular cross-section. However other shapes arepossible, including columns with other polygonal cross-sections, withrounded cross-sections, etc.

“Brick”

The term “brick” is used herein to describe any building unit that canbe used to construct columns. Thus traditional bricks are included, asare concrete building blocks, building blocks of other material, etc.

“Corner”

The term “corner” is used herein to include an angled part of aconstruct where two sides or walls meet. The corner need not be at 90°,but can be at any angle, with the frame of the device of the presentinvention being shaped accordingly. The corner may be an inner corner(extending inwardly relative to a construct) or an outer corner(extending outwardly relative to the construct).

“Substantially Horizontal”

For practical purposes a small amount of deviation from the absolutehorizontal can be tolerated when laying courses of bricks “substantiallyhorizontally” to form a column without any significant effect. The term“substantially horizontal” should be construed as allowing deviationsfrom the horizontal that are not significant. Typically deviations ofless than 5° may be tolerated.

1. A device for aiding in the laying of bricks to form a multi-sidedbrick construct, the device comprising a retaining member and aplurality of levels; wherein the retaining member allows the device tobe retained at a given position in relation to a construct being formedso that the levels can be used to ensure that a course of bricks abovethe retaining member is laid substantially horizontally along aplurality of sides of the construct; and wherein the retaining member ismounted so that it can be moved or removed relative to the rest of thedevice.
 2. A device according to claim 1; wherein the retaining memberis movably mounted so that it can be moved into a first position atwhich it rests on a lower course of bricks and the device can then beused in laying one or more higher courses of bricks in a substantiallyhorizontal manner; and wherein the retaining member can then be movedinto a second position at which it is free from contact with theconstruct so that the device can then be lifted and, the retainingmember can be used again at a higher position to retain the device whenlaying further courses of bricks in a substantially horizontal manner.3. A device according to claim 2 wherein the retaining member isslidably mounted and/or pivotally mounted.
 4. A device according toclaim 1; wherein the retaining member is removably mounted to thedevice, so that the device can be used without the retaining member forlaying a first course of bricks, but the retaining member can then beattached to the device to allow further courses of bricks to be laidwith the retaining member in place and functioning to retain the devicein relation to the construct so that the levels can be used to ensurethat a course of bricks laid above the retaining member is laidsubstantially horizontally along a plurality of sides of the construct.5. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a first side and asecond side, and wherein said retaining member comprises a firstretaining member located on said first side and further comprising asecond retaining member located on said second side.
 6. A deviceaccording to claim 1 comprising an indicator for indicating the upperedge of a course of bricks to be laid.
 7. A device according to claim 6,wherein the indicator is adjustable between a plurality of differentpositions to allow the device to be used to lay bricks of differentsizes.
 8. A device according to claim 6, wherein said indicatorcomprises a first indicator of a plurality of indicators so that whenthe device is positioned on the construct using the retaining member theplurality of indicators can be used to aid in laying a plurality ofcourses of bricks in a substantially horizontal manner without needingto move the device.
 9. A device according to claim 6; wherein theindicator is a mark, or a line of tensile or ductile material.
 10. Adevice according to claim 1; wherein the device comprises an adjustmentmember configured to compensate for a degree of unevenness on a surfaceupon which the device is placed
 11. A device according to claim 1,wherein said retaining member and said plurality of levels areconfigured to guide the laying of bricks to form a column.
 12. A deviceaccording to claim 11 comprising a generally rectangular or generallysquare frame that defines a generally rectangular or generally squareaperture for receiving bricks and/or mortar to form the column.
 13. Adevice according to claim 11 having one or more sides that are securedin place by releasable attachment means so that said one or more sidescan be removed.
 14. A device according to claim 11 comprising athree-sided frame.
 15. A device according to any of claims 1 comprisinga two-sided frame.
 16. A device according to claim 1 wherein the devicehas a frame with one or more corners and has a right angled uprightlocated at one or more of said corners.
 17. A method of making a columnor a corner comprising providing a device according to claim 1 andlaying the bricks of the column or corner in a manner in which thebricks are in substantially horizontal courses.
 18. A construct madeusing a device according to the method of claim
 17. 19. A kit comprisinga plurality of components for assembling together a device according toclaim 1 and further comprising instructions for at least one of assemblyand use of the device.
 20. The method claim 17 further comprising:placing the device on top of a course of bricks with the retainingmember in position to allow the device to be retained on top of saidcourse of bricks; spreading a layer of mortar on top of said course ofbricks; using the plurality of levels of the device to lay a secondcourse of bricks on the mortar in a substantially horizontal manner. 21.The method of claim 20 further comprising removing the device from thetop of said course of bricks and placing the device on top of saidsecond course of bricks with the retaining member in position to allowthe device to be retained on top of said second course of bricks.